Planting & Care Instructions

Planting Instructions

The sight you select for your Iris should be well drained, and have at least half a day of exposure to the sun.
Place your Iris rhizome on a slight mound, with the roots lower.
Ensure the top of the rhizome is above the ground.
The soil around the roots should be firm, to allow the plant to withstand the wind.
If your irises tend to fall over a small hoop made out of wire can be put over the rhizome.
Plant irises about 30 – 50 cm apart allowing for growth and reproduction.
Separate every 2-3 years, break rhizomes apart and plant the large outside rhizomes individually.
The Iris roots should be totally covered to avoid any dehydration. Water plants for the first week (after planting), this will allow for their new roots to start.
Once your Iris is established, ensure to keep it clear of dead leaves and weeds.

Care Instructions

February

A good time for planting

March / April

Superphosphate for root development and leaf structure; potash for blooms

May/June

Plants go into dormancy or rest time, clean any dead leaves or debris away; good time to apply lime

July

Spray with copper for leaf disease; taratek anti fungicide to avoid brown spotting of leaves later in season; keystrepto to stop rotting during the wet season

August

Spray with shield for aphids (a mixture of dishwashing liquid will do the same thing); new growth starts to show, monitor leaves for any fungal signs and spray if needed

September / October

Dwarf’s and Intermediates start to bloom

October / November

Tall Bearded start to bloom; multiplication of rhizomes start.

November / December

Make sure all beds are free of dead leaves, early division can take place when bloom has finished; snap of any old flower stalks (backwards)